Kirkwood, California, February 25, 2009—The much-anticipated final stop on The North Face Masters of Snowboarding (TNF Masters) big mountain snowboarding tour arrives at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California, March 5 – 8, 2009. Big-name pros, along with up-and-comers from around the globe, will battle it out on Kirkwood’s most challenging terrain, The Cirque. With one of the deepest snow packs in the country, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is more than ready to host the world’s best big mountain snowboarders.

“As the final stop on tour for The North Face Masters, we’re excited to host this event,” said Kirkwood Mountain Resort Marketing Manager, Chris Eckert. “It will be a great compliment to the Subaru North American Freeskiing Championships to come later in the month, providing a nice balance to the big mountain competitions hosted here at Kirkwood.”

Last year’s TNF Masters tour champions Clif Dimon and Susan Mol, who are straight off a win at TNF Masters second stop in Crested Butte, Colorado, will have their work cut out for them as they try to repeat their titles. Current tour leader, Matt Annetts of Stowe, Vermont, who leads Dimon by a mere 34 points, has one more chance at a top podium finish. Other top-name competitors include 2008 TNF Masters tour co-winner Laura Dewey, TNF Masters Snowbird, Utah, champion Shannan Yates, Rachel Sheidow, Chris Coulter, Jonathan Penfield, Korey Kaczmarek, Ralph Backstrom, Ryland Bell and 2008 TNF Masters Alyeska, Alaska champion Rob Kingwill.

TNF Masters gathers big mountain snowboarding tribes from all around the world. All male and female snowboarding competitors above age 18 are welcomed to participate. Registration is now open at www.thenorthfacemasters.com. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is offering lodging accommodations on-mountain starting at $99 for hotel style units and $299 for two bedroom units. Additional unit types at a variety of price points are available. For additional information and to make reservations, contact Kirkwood Vacations at 800.967.7500.

North Face Masters Kirkwood, California, Schedule

Thursday March 5

8:00am-3:00pm Registration

8:30am Venues announced

3:30pm-4:00pm Athlete meeting

Friday, March 6

8:00am-8:15am Athlete load 8:15am-9:00am Inspection open

9:00am-9:10am Forerunners begin

9:15am-2:00pm Day 1 run 1 begins

1:30pm-3:00pm Day 2 run 2 inspection open

3:30pm-4:00pm Athlete meeting

Saturday, March 7

8:00am-8:15am Athlete load 8:15am-9:00am Inspection open

9:00am-9:10am Forerunners begins

9:15am-1:30pm Day 2 run 2 begins

2:30pm-3:00pm Awards

3:00pm-4:00pm Athlete poster signing

Sunday, March 8

*Weather Day

**Schedule is subject to change

Fans of big mountain snowboarding can catch LIVE coverage of TNF Masters finals from Kirkwood, California, on Saturday, March 7, on www.thenorthfacemasters.com where there are complete videos, photos, athlete profiles, detailed event schedules, registration information, media credentials application and more.